The seal pups of Ohau Stream in Kaikoura, New Zealand

I was mesmerised by a small seal pup colony at Ohau Stream, just north of Kaikoura in New Zealand. The small Ohau stream is a playground for seal pups, who swim up to a pool at the base of a 30-metre waterfall while their mothers are out at sea hunting fish. The pups are completely at home in their nursery — undisturbed by tickled onlookers, who are offered a privileged glimpse of a carefree existence.